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Sciarid flies (also known as fungus gnats or fungus flies) damage plants by transferring fungal diseases from diseased to healthy plants. The larvae also cause damage by feeding on the roots, root hairs, rootlets, and tender root, stem and leaf tissue. Later instars may even feed on plant stems.
Young plants that are kept humid and well-watered are particularly at risk. House plants are common targets of the sciriad fly, as are Cyclamen, Fuchsia, Pelargonium and poinsettia.
Our sciarid fly control contains the insect parasitic nematodes Steinernema feltiae. After administration, the nematodes actively search for and penetrate the prey, after which they excrete bacteria, killing the prey.
Identifying Sciarid Fly Damage
The main impacts of sciarid fly damage are poor plant health, wilting (particularly on hot days) and at times, total plant death. Young plants are more susceptible to damage than older established ones.
On some plants, larvae may feed on leaves that rest on the soil – this can cause holes to appear in leaves which may look similar to the damage caused by slugs. The adult flies can become a nuisance indoors.
What is Biological Sciarid Control?
Biological controls are non-chemical treatments that rely on the natural enemies of pests. In the case of sciarid fly control, the enemy is the nematode, specifically, the species Steinernema feltiae.
Steinernema feltiae are microscopic worms that actively seek out the sciarid fly larvae, feeding and multiplying inside them, then infecting them with a bacterium. Once infected, the sciarid larvae will stop feeding and die. The nematode will then go on to seek out more, repeating the cycle.
Biological sciarid control is a highly effective, safe treatment that can be used on turf as well as ornamentals. It is safe for pets and other wildlife and the perfect choice for organic gardeners.
Storage
Application
|
Pack Size |
Dilution Rate |
Application Instructions |
|
10m2 |
1 pack of nematodes in 10L water |
Dissolve the pack in 1L litre of water to create a stock solution. Take 500ml of the stock solution and add to a watering can of 4.5L water. Apply this over 5m2 and repeat process until you have used all of the stock solution and covered 10m2 |
|
50m2 |
1 pack of nematodes in 25L of water |
Dissolve the pack in a bucket containing 2.5L of water to create a stock solution. Take 500ml of the stock solution and add to a watering can of 4.5L water. Apply this over 5m2 and repeat process until you have used all of the stock solution and covered 25m2 |
|
100m2 |
1 pack of nematodes in 50L of water |
Dissolve the pack in a bucket containing 5L of water to create a stock solution. Take 500ml of the stock solution and add to a watering can of 4.5L water. Apply this over 5m2 and repeat process until you have used all of the stock solution and covered 50m2 |
|
250m2 |
1 pack of nematodes in 250L water applied as a soil drench. |
For a soil drench - Wet soil or growing media before application. Dissolve the entire contents of the pack in a bucket containing 10L of water to create a stock solution. Stir vigorously.
Take out 400ml of the stock solution and add to a sprayer with 19L of water. Apply this solution as a soil drench to cover 10m2. Repeat these steps until all of the stock solution has been used and 250m2 have been treated. Keep soil moist for 2 weeks after application. |
Nematodes should be applied when the soil temperature is above 10°C or at any time for houseplants. Apply early in the morning or early in the evening for best results.
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